Written by Trish B
Nicole Elam, the youngest President and CEO of the National Bankers Association (NBA) since its founding in 1927, is making remarkable strides in promoting financial inclusion and supporting minority-owned banks across the U.S. With nearly two decades of experience in public policy and public affairs, Elam brings a wealth of knowledge and a clear vision for economic equity in underserved communities.
Elam joined the NBA in May 2021 after a distinguished career at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she served as Vice President and Government Relations Manager. In this role, she developed public policy strategies and led national engagement efforts, working to advance JPMorgan’s commitment to investing $30 billion over five years to promote racial equity and drive inclusive economic growth. Her experience with such a significant initiative underscores her commitment to fostering systemic change within the financial sector.
Before her tenure at JPMorgan Chase, Elam led government and external affairs for ITT Educational Services, Inc., serving as the primary spokesperson and connecting with policymakers, trade organizations, and the public. She also held senior positions at Ice Miller Strategies LLC, a government affairs firm, where her work focused on building relationships across sectors to influence positive policy outcomes.
Nicole’s foundation in law and policy is extensive. She held positions as an attorney at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, focusing on congressional investigations and government enforcement actions. Additionally, she gained experience as a law clerk with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Washington, D.C. Her early career also included roles as a communications director at the Black Leadership Forum and as a legislative assistant with the NAACP Washington Bureau.
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Elam holds a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Howard University School of Law, where she served as the solicitations editor for the law review. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University. Her academic achievements and leadership roles have prepared her for the challenges of guiding the NBA and advocating for economic inclusivity on a national scale.
Driving the Future of Minority-Owned Banks
As the CEO of the National Bankers Association, Elam is a leading voice for minority-owned banks and financial institutions. She aims to empower these banks to better serve their communities, improve access to capital, and drive generational wealth. By building partnerships with larger financial institutions and enhancing capital flow to minority banks, Elam is actively working to bridge economic gaps and create a more equitable financial landscape.
Her tenure at the NBA is marked by a vision of economic inclusion, community empowerment, and strategic alliances. Nicole Elam’s leadership is setting a new standard for what it means to drive meaningful change in the financial sector, ensuring that minority-owned banks have the resources and advocacy they need to thrive.
